Sixth-grade students at Mariner Middle School recently took part in a field trip that brought space exploration activities directly to them.

Students experienced a full day of immersive, space-themed learning designed to engage and inspire. At the center was the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation’s StarLab planetarium, an inflatable structure set up in the school gymnasium.

Inside the StarLab, students participated in the Investigating Near-Earth Objects program, which supported their concurrent studies in moon phases, rock formations, and Greek and Roman mythology.

During 30-minute sessions, students explored the night sky, constellations and the stories behind them in an interactive environment.

In addition to the planetarium experience, students rotated through eight hands-on, space-themed stations created by their teachers and set up along the sixth-grade hallway. These activities integrate English language arts, science and the arts, providing a well-rounded, cross-curricular learning opportunity.

“This is such an exciting way to bring learning to life for our students,” said Principal Fred Best. “By combining hands-on activities with immersive technology like the StarLab, our staff was able to spark curiosity and make meaningful connections across multiple subjects. It’s definitely been a day our students will remember.”

This innovative approach allowed students to engage deeply with content while remaining in a familiar environment, maximizing both accessibility and instructional time. Through creative programming and collaboration, Mariner Middle School continues to explore new ways to make learning dynamic, relevant and memorable.